Paul Tisdale revealed the immense pride he has for MK Dons players after they secured promotion to Sky Bet League One on a dramatic final day.

The Dons will be backing playing in the third tier of English football next season after their 1-0 win over Mansfield Town on the final day of the campaign saw them leapfrog the Stags and seal third place in the Sky Bet League Two table.

It caps off an excellent first season for Paul Tisdale and his squad and in his post-match press conference the Dons boss couldn’t hide his delight.

“I'm absolutely delighted,” he said. “It was a long afternoon, a long week - a heck of a long week but we got there. It was great to see Stadium MK packed and ready to celebrate.

“We had an awful year or two but we had to give something back, some sort of redemption. I told them don’t just run away because the Club has paid them well and supported them so well over the last few years. Players stayed and got the job done. To all of them, thank you.

“To bounce back from relegation, after having everything so unsettled and challenging for them - I'm so proud of the players. I love them to death and I'm so pleased for them.

“It wouldn't have happened if they didn't listen and weren’t receptive. It was all about doing what we had to do to finish at least third. We've got there.” Tisdale added: “I’m relieved not to have to go through the play-offs, and I'm looking forward to a holiday for once!”